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Political Parties Commit to Food and Farming

UK - Long-term commitments to British food and the acceleration of high-speed broadband roll-out are among the promises made by the UK's political parties in their recently published manifestos.

After extensive manifesto analysis, NFU members will hear what each of the parties have pledges pledged to the food and farming sector when Head of Government and Parliamentary Matt Ware addresses NFU Council today (21 April).

To promote British food ahead of the General Election, just 16 days away, the NFU launched the Great British Food Gets My Vote campaign in February. Thousands of people have already pledged their support for the industry.

NFU President Meurig Raymond said: “It’s good to see our ask for a comprehensive plan to grow UK food production promised by the Conservative, Labour and Liberal Democrat parties, and wide cross-party support for the Grocery Code Adjudicator extension, rolling out high-speed broadband to rural areas and better labelling. There’s also mixed party support on the reduction of red-tape.

“The areas of divergence are of great concern to the NFU; these include the TB eradication strategy which the Labour and Green party have rejected. We would like to see more detailed policies from UKIP and the Conservative party on dealing with a potential exit from the EU, as it’s the UK’s largest food export market and source of support payments.

“It is excellent news that four of the NFU’s manifesto asks have already been implemented, including Grocery Code Adjudicator fines, the first review of tractor and trailer weight and speed restrictions, legislation to combat fly-grazing and two to five-year tax averaging.

“We look forward to working with the next government whatever the colour, or colours, to ensure it has productive and profitable British food and farming at its heart.”